Oleksandr Usyk refused to be intimidated once he entered the land of the big men. But after aggregating every world title in the cruiserweight division, the Ukrainian set his sights on repeating that feat one division higher.
Thus far, the former Olympic gold medalist has been just as dominant. With wins over Chazz Witherspoon, Derek Chisora, and back-to-back triumphs against Anthony Joshua, the latter resulting in a unified heavyweight reign, Usyk is now the proud owner of the WBA, WBO, IBO and IBF titles.
Nevertheless, even with most of the heavyweight straps in his possession, Usyk (20-0, 13 KOs) knows good and well that until he defeats WBC titlist, Tyson Fury, he won’t be viewed as the best fighter in his weight class.
By all accounts, the 34-year-old from Manchester, England, is all for an undisputed clash with his current rival. However, considering that Usyk isn’t one of the biggest heavyweights around, Fury (33-0-1, 24 KOs) has a difficult time envisioning him standing up to his offensive onslaught.
“I don’t think he’s big enough and strong enough to stand up to the punches,” said Fury to Telegraph Sport recently.
All along, Fury has kept a watchful eye on Usyk and his overall progression. While doing so, the pound-for-pound star has seemingly solidified himself as the man to beat.
After violently closing the chapter on his rivalry with Deontay Wilder, Fury would go on to register consecutive victories against Dillian Whyte and the aforementioned Chisora.
Following his latest winning effort, Usyk brazenly stepped inside the ring where he was met by a boisterous Fury. Although he’s mostly dismissed Usyk as nothing more than a speed bump on his way to undisputed glory, Fury did admit that Usyk will present him with several challenges when they finally do square off. But, despite tipping his cap to his rival, Fury assumes that at some point during their clash, the fleet of foot Usyk will eventually run out of ideas.
“It’s a challenge but he’ll be running away like a little b—- all night. I will hunt him down and when I get hold of him he’ll be crushed.”
Hans Themistode:
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